Thick black smoke has been billowing from the scene - created by the burning tyres that one of the lorries was carrying. Many drivers are thought to be trapped inside the tunnel, as rescuers are driven back by the fumes and intense heat.

Lorries were stranded outside the tunnel as black smoke poured from the entrance

The intense heat and smoke prevented rescuers reaching the scene for hours

They had to battle with intense heat and zero visibility

The blaze was fierce but officials said safety features prevented a much worse accident

Several people were rushed to hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation

The tunnel sees heavy traffic and police fear the death toll will rise